On July 28th, the Biden administration announced a significant move to bolster Taiwan’s defense by providing military resources, a move that parallels its support to Ukraine.
Historically, the United States has viewed aiding Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion as crucial for safeguarding Europe’s security and deterring China from potentially invading Taiwan. However, this recent decision to arm Taiwan, while not declared as an emergency, aims to prevent conflict across the Taiwan Strait.
Despite its intentions, the US’s decision has raised concerns about potential consequences. China is unlikely to accept the claim that this action is routine and not a shift in America’s Taiwan policy. The move from mere weapon sales to subsidizing Taiwan’s armed forces might be perceived by China as a serious threat to peace and stability in the region. China’s defense ministry spokesman has already denounced the arms supplies as “malicious acts,” hinting at the escalating tensions between the two superpowers.
This escalation in US support for Taiwan could potentially lead to a new crisis, with both China and the US taking firm stances on their respective positions. The situation remains highly sensitive, with the possibility of further developments unfolding in the near future.